Download ALPRAZOLAM TABLETS (Kalma/ Xanax)

Creative Solutions to Animal Behaviour Management
Dr Cam Day
BVSc BSc. MACVSc.
ALPRAZOLAM TABLETS (Kalma/ Xanax)
Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety medication related to Valium and belongs to the class of
medications call Benzodiazepines.
They are used in veterinary medicine as:.
Mild tranquillisers
.
For the taming of aggressive animals
.
Sedatives prior to anaesthesia
.
Muscle relaxants
.
As anti-convulsants
The benzodiazepines work by slowing down the removal of a chemical, Gamma Amino Butyric
Acid, from the space between the nerves. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and when more
of it is available, animals are less anxious.
Benzodiazepines are excreted through an animal’s kidneys.
Side Effects
Side effects of Benzodiazepines can, but do not always include
.
Sedation
.
Muscle relaxation seen as staggering, weak limbs or poor coordination. Your pet may
have trouble climbing and going down stairs.
.
Occasional excitation ( in 10 - 20% of animals)
.
Stimulation of the appetite
Benzodiazepines can interact with other medications including:.
Cimetidine, erythromycin, isoniazid, disulfiram
.
Some contraceptive or hormone tablets used in animals
.
Antacids and anticholinergics may delay absorption and slow down the effect
.
Increased sedation can be caused when they are used with behaviour modifying drugs
such as neuroleptics, narcotics, antihistamines, sedative hypnotics, heterocyclic
antidepressants such as Amitryptiline and Clomipramine
In aggressive animals, a worsening of the aggression can sometimes occur.
Animal Behaviour
Veterinarian
CAM DAY Consulting
P.O. Box 8406
Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.pethealth.com.au
Office: (07) 33651560
Fax: (07) 3346 9769
Mobile: 0413100024
Consulting Rooms
University of Queensland
Small Animal Clinic,
Therapies Road, St Lucia
Highgate Hill Veterinary
Surgery
184 Annerley Road
DUTTON PARK
Consultancy Services:
•
Telephone
assessments
•
Telephone
consultations
•
Clinic consultations
•
House call
consultations
•
Facts Sheet Service
•
Aggression
assessments
•
Breed identification
Consulting to:
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•
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Services: -
Stopping the Medication
•
If your pet is on the medication for any length of time, you should withdraw the medication
gradually if you are going to stop using it.
•
Sometimes, a rebound effect occurs, where, on removal of the medication, more severe
symptoms that were initially present may be seen for a while.
Typical Reasons for Usage:1.Anxiety states
2.Where a rapid, but usually short term, reduction in anxiety is needed
3.Anxiety following death of a house-mate
4.For anticipated fears and phobias such as noise or thunder phobia and separation anxiety
5.In separation anxiety, while waiting for other medications to have effect
Pet owners
Local authorities
Animal Welfare
Groups
Corporations
Lawyers
•
•
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Behaviour
consultancy
Veterinary journalism
Pet care articles
Web support
Radio/TV
Pet care newsletters
Behaviour seminars
Open Days
Public Speaking
Staff training
Noise Fear Solutions
Noise fear audio CD’s
Noise fear E-books
Notes on the Usage of Alprazolam
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It is relatively short acting ( up to 12 hours) and repeated dosage may be needed if the stimulus causing the fear is
continuous.
The affect of an oral tablet may take 1 - 2 hours to be seen
The dose may need to be adjusted for best effect.
When stopping a long course of Alprazolam, it is best to reduce the dose gradually rather that to stop it quickly
If you know that your pet will be fearful or anxious because a fear-inducing stimulus is likely to occur, Alprazolam
usage can be planned to prevent this fear.
How to Determine the Dose of Alprazolam for your Dog
Plan to medicate you dog when you are going to be home for the day. A weekend is a useful time to do this.
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Give the advised dose in the morning. Observe the effect. If effective, your dog should be less reactive to
fear-inducing stimuli. This may not be easy to pick if the fear-inducing stimulus doesn’t occur during this
period though. Look for any muscle relaxation that has been caused. You will see this as ‘staggering ‘
clumsiness’ or ‘wobbliness’. Some notice the dog has difficulty climbing or going down stair or jumping
into the back of their car.
If no muscle relaxation occurs, increase the dose - usually by ½ a tablet, unless advised differently. Look
for muscle relaxation again. If none is seen at this increased dose then please ring me.
Generally the dose we want is the one that causes no, or very slight, muscle relaxation.
If you find you dog is very ‘wobbly’, due to muscle relaxation, or if it is over excited or aggressive, please
cease the medication and ring me for further advice.
In any case, please ring me to report your progress at the end of the initial trial (usually two days) so that
together, we can discuss the plan of treatment.
DOSE ADVISED INITIALLY ..................
INCREASE DOSE BY .................... IF NO MUSCLE RELAXATION IS SEEN.
The above is provided for your guidance. Generally, side effects of Alprazolam are rare and not serious.
Please let me know if you notice any unusual effects when your pet is using this medication